Rise Up Against Racism; SFI-DYFI Solidarity with the African Nationals

Once again it has been exposed that how deep rooted is xenophobia and racism in Indian social sphere. African students were brutally beaten up by the mob in Greater Noida outskirts of New Delhi, after a 17 years old local boy unfortunatly died due to the drugs overdose. A rumour was spread linking the African youth to the missing of the local boy. The police was also acting in parallel to the hatred and prejudices spread against the innocent people who are in India for studies and jobs. A violent mob stormed an apartment where African students are living. The students were wrongly accused to be the cause of drug overdose death and the police followed suit arresting the innocent students without genuine grounds. The students were ultimately released but wide-spread intimidation and violence against Africans continued even after that.The barbaric act unleashed upon the African nationals at Noida by a group of locals and support it received from the police is highly condemnable and shameful to any democratic society.

Student’s Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) held a protest outside Mumbai University, yesterday against the racial attacks on African nationals. We also demand strict and speedy legal procedure in the case and to punish the culprits behind this heinous crime. SFI and DYFI also recognise the racism which is deep rooted in Indian society in various forms. An anti-racial discrimination law must be enacted by the parliament of India.

"Africans and Indians are victims of colonialism and continue to face imperialist oppression in many ways. Recent hate crimes against Indians living in USA and Australia are expressions of racist imperialism. Indians and Africans are together in the struggle for a world free of imperialism where every human being is assured a life of dignity.

African nationals living in Indian cities have been at the receiving end of many hate crimes in recent years in cities like Delhi and Bangalore. Discrimination against African nationals and scornful behaviour towards them in residential quarters and public places has become ‘normal’ in cities like Mumbai too." Stated in a DYFI release.